Grand National: Jockeys told to ‘respect’ start

JOCKEYS have been instructed to approach the start of the John Smith’s Grand National “in a much more appropriate manner” following false starts to both races over the famous fences at Aintree on the opening two days of the meeting.

The British Horseracing Authority has reminded riders to “respect the importance of the start” of the National tomorrow after delays to the Fox Hunters’ Chase on Thursday and yesterday’s Topham Chase.

Jamie Stier, the BHA director of raceday operations and regulation, said: “We are very disappointed with the starts to each of the two races run over the Grand National course over the last two days. The stewards have taken an initial look at the start of the Topham Chase, and will return to the matter after the conclusion of racing today. Ahead of tomorrow’s Grand National, all riders will be expected to respect the importance of the start of the race and approach it in a much more appropriate manner.”

A stewards’ inquiry into the start was held after the Topham, following which 25 of the riders were handed one-day bans.

Pentiffic and Mortimers Cross, the two reserves for the National, missed out on a run today. With no defections from the 40-strong line-up yesterday morning, the field remains as was declared on Thursday.